Rayners reacts to player of the month award

By Ayanda Nyuswa

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners has reacted to receiving the Betway Premiership player of the month award for November and December. The Sundowns talisman was voted the stand-out player in the final two months of the year after netting three goals in five appearances for the Betway Premiership log leaders. Rayners received recognition alongside his coach Miguel Cardoso who walked away with the coach of the month award, after recording three wins in December. 

“For me it’s always good to win awards, individual awards but it’s not about me alone it’s about the team effort. The team has helped me winning at least something, so yeah for me I am happy,” said Rayners.

The 29-year old will be looking to help the Brazilians secure their place in the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League when they host Moroccan side AS FAR in their final group match at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday. Sundowns need a minimum of a draw to guarantee their place in the quarterfinals, where they will join fellow countrymen Orlando Pirates who are already through.

“They will come with a lot of confidence and fight, and make it difficult but we just have to be patient and be ourselves and that will make us win the game,” said Rayners about their match against AS FAR.

“I think they will sit back obviously because they want to finish top of the group, but for us to finish top we need to push ourselves we need to win the game, score goals, that’s the spirit.”